By Jessica

On Wednesday, April, 14^th , there will be a family reading night. The reading night will be held at Memorial School.  Bring the family to Memorial and enjoy this night. There are so many fun activities planned for this night. So, make sure you mark your calendars for this super fun event!

That’s all for now. We’ll see you next year!

ADVICE COLUMN

By Abby and Valerie

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALL YOUR FRIENDS STOPPED HANGING OUT WITH YOU?  ~Advise taker # 1

A: First I would like to thank you for being our 1^st advice taker!! Well you should confront your friends and ask why they are mad at you. If you still feel neglected, confront them right on the spot tell them how you feel. I can guarantee that not EVERYONE is mad at you. Sometimes people have to spread out to evenly hang out with everyone.

Thanks for your questions! Remember to tell your friends to submit questions to the Advice Box outside the office next to the Eagle feather box.

Pancake Man – Episode #1

By Jessica, Leo, and Joe

Creative Expressions Art Showcase

By Jessica

Once again the Creative Expressions Art Showcase will be held. Remember these guidelines while working on your art.

• Students may only submit one piece of art
• The artwork may not be a class project
• The work must be hand done
• No photographs or computed generated art work
• No offensive words or images
• Use your imagination!

Tinley Hauntings

By Abby and Valerie

Ever heard a bump in the night, but no one was there? Do you think Tinley Park is haunted? Well, here are some stories that could make you believe in paranormal activity…

This week’s feature…

Memorial’s Haunted Girls’ Bathroom In the Intermediate Wing

(Part  1)

So, rumor has it that the Intermediate wing girls’ bathroom is HAUNTED!!!! The story is that in the last stall in the girls’ bathroom, only if you’re all ALONE, you’ll feel a cool breeze or the ghost of Mary will come!!

Now, you might be thinking why Mary, and who is she? Well, her story is she was a 5^th grade school girl, and when she was walking out of the last stall she slipped on some water. She fell and cracked her skull, and a button fell off and landed in the corner of the girls bathroom. Even to this day the button still remains!!!!

Now every time you’re in the bathroom remember, even if you THINK are the only PERSON in there, you are NOT ALONE!!!

Advice Column

By Valerie & Abby

Are you seeking advice? Are you afraid to include your name? You don’t have to! (ex. You could say your name is “B-balll 22”). We offer great advice for no price! Just put your question in our advice box outside of the office. For all ages, and all questions! We will reply online on the school’s news paper/blog at: www.memorialschool.wordpress.com

Borderlands Video Game Review

By Joe

Borderlands is a video game where you have to fight monsters and you get snipers ,Rocket Launchers ,Shotguns, Bombs, and jetpacks. It is available for Xbox360, Xbox live, Playstation 3 ,Wii, Ds, and PSP.

Borderlands is an outstanding game it should be in the video top 10 greatest games next to:

10. Donkey Kong

9.007 Goldeneye

8. World of War Craft

7. Call of Duty: Modem Warfare

6. Assassin’s Creed

5. Fallout 3

4. Conker’s Bad Fur Day

3. Mass Effect

2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

1. Elders Scroll IV: Oblivion

What’s Happening In Fourth Grade

By Alexis

In fourth grade math we are working with base ten’s. We are doing a project based on working together. I know I am working together because I am in cheerleading. In social studies, we are leaning about different regions of the United States. Another thing in our class is we are earning stars for AR test. In reading, we are reading “The Baker’s Neighbor.” In music we are leaning how to read music notes.

The Curse Of The Billy Goat

By Leo and Jacob

It was the Bottom of the ninth and there were 2 outs, 3 balls, and 2 strikes and Sammy Sosa was up to bat. A billy goat was up in the stands and it bahhh! Sammy Sosa struck out and the Cubs lost the World Series. So, the next season the Cubs decided to make that billy goat their curse. The Cubs won because the billy goat was not there. The next game arrived and the billy goat was up in the stands once again. So, the Cubs lost and they wanted to get rid of that billy goat. They were on a plane to San Diego and the billy goat was on the same plane. To be continued…

Interview with Mrs. Wilson

By: Abby, Valerie, & Jessica

Q: Any future plans for renovations for Memorial?

A: It’s still in the talking stages. All we know is that the school will get a “face-lift” sometime soon. I would like to talk with some students for further ideas.

Q: How do you feel about the petition that went on with bobble ball?

A: I was very pleased. Even though I never got to see it, I was happy that the students took on the issue in a good way.

Q: What is your favorite thing about being principal at Memorial?

A: The students. They make me laugh and they are the best part.

Q: Anything you want to mention?

A: Enjoy your week off, and don’t forget to read!

Thanksgiving

By Jessica

Thanksgiving is coming and everybody is preparing with the stuffing, the turkey, and so much more! Families gather, talk, and celebrate together. They all prepare for Thanksgiving on November 26, 2009.

Sports Update

By Leo and Jacob

Charlotte Bobcats 90

Chicago Bulls 93

In baseball, the Yankees won their 27^th world series. The Yankees won series 4-2. In football, the Steelers defeated the Broncos on Monday Night Football.

Los Angeles Kings 1

Chicago Blackhawks 4

THE 5^TH GRADERS’ LAST YEAR AT MEMORIAL

by Tiffany and Morgan

HI!!! This is Tiffany and Morgan here to talk about our last year and what it’s going to be like. 5^th grade is a special part of our life. We are going to Central Middle School next year and we are a little scared. We will tell you about what you’ll be able and not able to do in 5^thgrade.

Central Middle School

These are the top 10 things you should and should not do as a 5th grader.

10. Do not lie

9. Do your homework

8. Don’t talk in class especially when the teacher is talking.

7. Do respect the teachers

6. Do respect other people

5. Don’t be late

4. Don’t take charge

3. Do listen to your teachers

2. Do not swear in the school

Here is the top reason on what to do.

1. Be nice

That is all for now. Good luck and check in with us next time.

Jokes, Jokes, JOKES!!

by Tiffany and Morgan

1. What does a dog call a cat?? Food!!

2. What happens when a burglar steals a burger?? The burger alarm sets off!!

3. Knock, knock. Who’s there? You! You who? You who, come here.

4. Knock, knock. Who’s there? Boo! Boo who? You don’t have to cry.

More Jokes

by Tiffany and Breanna

1. What did one keyboard say to the other? Sorry, I’m not your type.

2. What fishy pet can a ghost keep? A ghoul-fish!

3. Why was the hammer sorry? Because it hit nail on the head!

4. What would you get if you crossed a vampire and a teacher? Lots of blood tests!

The Haunted Bathroom

by Gabby, Nancy, and Gianna

One day I went to school and everyone was telling me that the bathrooms were haunted. Someone also said that she heard screaming in the bathroom. One of my other friends said that he heard a noise then looked back and he saw a white ghost. Many people believed it, but some people didn’t. Someone also said that that the last stall had wind blowing and was cold and had cobwebs. Some people were seeing shadows and hearing voices. One day I went in the bathroom and……….AHHHHHHH!!!

I heard screaming and I ran out as fast as I could. After that day a lot of people said that the bathroom was haunted because so many people do bloody Mary. A few months later a girl ran in the bathroom and never cam out, and people wondered what happened to her. A few weeks later, her best friend went in the bathroom to look for her friend, and she wasn’t there. So she screamed and never came back, and it kept going on and on. Every time a person went in the bathroom, the people never came back.

See you next time…….

Welcome to the first issue of the 2008-2009 school year here at Memorial School. (Technically, this is the 6^th issue since we started last year.) We hope you enjoy our stories and comics!

College Day

by Jessica

On November 21,2008, Memorial School celebrated COLLEGE DAY!  Students and teachers showed off their favorite colleges by wearing T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other clothes with the school’s name on it.

Don’t be a fool stay in school! GO COLLEGE!

Environmental Club

by Valerie

The Environmental Club would like students to recycle more print, construction, and writing paper at Memorial School. Also, we would like to put more Capri Sun Juice boxes in the plastic bin at lunch so we can get money for our school. It would be great if we all pitched in to do this.

Awesome Advice

by Sarah and Abbey

Question: I’m having trouble in math. What should I do?

Answer: Thanks for writing! We suggest that you have your parents quiz you and practice as much as you can.

Hey, you! Looking for advice? Please put your questions in the box by the office!

Christmas

by:Gianna

Christmas is a time for being joyful. Christmas is always on the 25^th of December. Some people go far to visit family and friends, but some people stay close and visit family and friends. For Christmas, I visit my family in Nebraska every other year, and every other year I go to my grandparent’s house in Palos. Every year in October, my family and I make raviolis to eat on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but this year I get to go to my grandparent’s house in Palos and that’s where we made raviolis.

Christmas is also a time for giving. On December 6^th, St. Nick comes and puts smaller presents in your stockings. Many people set up Christmas trees and decorations. Many people celebrate Christmas in many different ways.

Comic

By Reanna

How to Help Your Community Animals

by Morgan Dunn

When you look out a window and see an animal running across the street, don’t say to yourself that that animal is weird or stupid, because there are many possible reasons that animal might be in the wild. One of the reasons is their owners may have treated them badly. I would like to give to some of the vets that don’t have a lot of medicine for pets, like those. I will have a box outside the office for you to put a note on how to help animals around your community. Thank you!

Comic

By Reanna and John

Jokes!

by Tiffany and Breanna

What did the pear say to the other one? We make a great pair!

What type of nut doesn’t have a shell? A donut!

Where did the snowman take his date? The snow-ball!

What kind of dress can’t you wear? Your address!

What growls but is never mean? Your stomach!

How does a mouse feel after a bath? Squeaky clean!

What do you call a stunt wolf? A dare-devil!

What does Rudolph do in the fall? Fall down

Why did the chicken cross the rode? To get a chicken burger!

What does a rock want to be when it grows up? A rockstar!

Orangutans

by Nancy, Gabby, and Gianna

Orangutans are in the monkey family. They are endangered. There are only 5,000 orangutans left. There is an orphanage that is called Camp Leakey, and it is for orangutans. Baby orangutans put big leafs on their heads for umbrellas when it rains. Orangutans live in the rainforest. Orangutans get diseases. Some of the orangutans eat soap at  Camp Leakey. They don’t like baths. If a snake bites a baby orangutan, it can die. Orangutans have to be seven or eight years old to live by themselves. A male orangutan is two or three times bigger than a female. Females are only one hundred pounds. Orangutans eat nuts, bananas, termites, fruit, ants, flowers, and leafs. They scream and bite when they take baths. These are some interesting facts about orangutans.

Saints vs. Bears

by David

Tuesday, December 8^th, 2008, the Chicago Bears played against the New Orleans Saints. The Bears had 7 seconds left to get a field goal. The score was 21-24 and the Saints were winning. The Bears got the 3 points and went to overtime. The Bears got a field goal in overtime and won. They won 27-24.

New York

by Jinsung and Bailey

Poem:

I love New York others love New York to.

I see yellow taxis, and many people like Pepsi.

We are writing about the state of New York. There are many exciting things in New York. There are many parks, building, restaurants, and more! New York has so many taxis, there are even water taxis.

Central Park and Empire State Building are only a small fraction of New York exciting features. There is also Statue of Liberty. My partner, Jinsung, has been to New York. I’ve also been to New York. We talked about New York together and this is what we discovered. Jinsung saw The Phantom of the Opera and I saw The Lion King. I can describe New York in two words: BEAUTIFUL and THRILING!!!

Tony Hawk

by Jacob

Tony Hawk is one of the best skaters in the world. He is a vert skater. Vert means you use mostly ramps. Tony Hawk did the first 900. A 900 is when a skater does two-and-a-half spins. He did it in Europe. He was in a half pipe at the X Games. He was also the second person to do a Mctwist. A McTwist is when a skater performs a backside 540 front flip. Tony Hawk named it after Mike-McBill. Mike McGill was on Tony Hawk’s team. Tony Hawk is now retired. He lives with his wife and sons.

What’s up with 4^th grade?

by Jessica

4^th grade this year has been a great hit! With the three teachers, Mrs.Russell, Mrs.Jacobs  and Mrs. Brown, everything is awesome. We are doing a lot of projects in science, spelling, writing and math.

In science we are working with water experiments. In spelling we are playing a lot of games to memorize our spelling words. One of the games we play is Sparkle. In writing we have pen pals and we write to each other. In math we are learning prime numbers and square numbers. We are doing a lot of things. That’s what’s going in fourth grade.

by Molly

Earth Day at Memorial School was a hit! A few people from each class in fifth grade presented PowerPoint presentations. Mrs. Reeks’ class presented PowerPoint’s on what experiments they did, such as making paper, creating and cleaning an oil spill, and completing a water filtration experiment.

I presented what my class,(Mrs. Stec’s class) did. Everyday at lunch we went down and helped kids sort their garbage so we could recycle it. We did a fantastic job! And last, but not least, Mr. Reilly’s class showed a video of all their cool projects they made out of recyclable stuff. Guess what? We were even interviewed by a real newspaper, the Southtown Star. If you want to read the article, click on this link. See you soon and remember to GO GREEN!!!!!

Baseball Update

by Brandon

Hi, this is Brandon again back with more baseball. My team is doing well so far. We are 3-0 and I pitched a no-hitter in 4 innings. This year baseball is going to be different because we have pickoffs, leadoffs and walks, so I have to remember a lot of things. That’s it for now.

Jokes

by Breanna

I have been doing a count down 5-1 as you know now. If you like all my jokes write me a comment on this blog. Have a lot of fun reading the things we put on our newspaper blog at www.memorialschool.wordpress.com.

Now for one final joke for the school year:

What is a Leprechaun’s favorite potato? Irish gold!

Interviews with the Cast of Aladdin Jr.

by Natalie

Recently, I interviewed Marissa (Aladdin) and Molly (Genie) who recently performed in Memorial School’s musical, Aladdin Jr.

Q. What made both of you want to try out for Aladdin Jr.?

Marissa – I like plays and I have been in a lot of them. They are fun, I think I’m a pretty good singer, and I like to act. I am sooooo happy I got a lead role for once!

Molly – I wanted to try out because I thought it would be fun working with Mrs. Towry, the director, and I thought I could get a lead role because I practice hard and I think I’m a pretty good actress.

Q. How would you have reacted if you had not gotten the role you wanted?

Marissa – I would have been sort of sad, but I would happy with whatever role I got. Besides, you get a role no matter what.

Molly – I would have been pretty upset, but would have had hope to still get a lead role. I would have been happy with that too!

Q. Do you think that being in Aladdin Jr. will make you want to be in more musicals at Central Middle School?

Marissa – YES! I like working with my friends and I love musicals! So… I’ll definitely try out next year and throughout middle school

Molly – YES! Working with Mrs. Towry and my other cast mates has been a great experience. I can’t wait to try out next year.

NEWSFLASH!!! ALADDIN JR. WAS PERFORMED ON APRIL 24 AND 25, 2008! OVER 1,000 PEOPLE CAME TO THE SHOWS! WHOO HOO!!!!!

Hi again! In the last issue, I was answering the question about helping animals. Here is some more information about helping dogs.

Did you know that a nutritious diet helps to keep your dog healthy and disease-free through its lifetime? That information was from Banfield, the pet hospital. Their website is www.banfield.net.

Aladdin Jr.

by Marissa

Aladdin Jr. was an awesome performance. The cast did great and we had so much fun. We would like to thank Mrs. Towry and the rest of the cast. You guys did awesome.

My other director went and she said that it was amazing and she is really good, so that is a compliment. That means Mrs. Towry is also really talented.

” ONE JUMP AHEAD,” ” A WHOLE NEW WORLD,” ARABIAN NIGHTS,” ” WHY ME?,” AND ” YOU NEVER HAD A FRIEND LIKE ME” were some of the songs from Aladdin Jr. THEY ARE AWESOME!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ALADDIN JR.CAST! YOU GUYS DID AWESOME, INCLUDING ME!

Aladdin~ Marissa

Genie~ Molly

Jasmine~ Natalie

Sultan~ Cameron

Narrator 1~ Sarah

Narrator 2~ Kortni

Narrator 3~ Alexis

Narrator 4~ Maria

Narrator 5~ Brooke

Jafar ~ Lindsay

Iago~ Keaton

Magic Carpet~ Gianna

Guard 1 ~ Andrew

Guard 2~ Garret

*****Thank you for reading and visit again soon for Issue #6, our final issue of the school year!*****

Catigny Park Field Trip

By Lia

The 5th Grade students of Memorial School recently went on a field trip to Catigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. The reason the 5th grade went on this field trip is because we are learning about all of the wars of the 20^th Century in social studies. Robert Sanderson McCormick built Catigny Park for the public. A war museum was built and his mansion became part of Catigny Park after he died in the 1950’s.

Robert McCormick was a millionaire and his family owned the Chicago Tribune and started the WGN television station. The 5^th graders had a great time visiting the museum, touring the McCormick mansion, and climbing on the different tanks around the museum. Here are some pictures from our trip.

American Idol

By Molly

If you like singing, try watching American Idol? This is a show about people who sing. They start with everyone auditioning, and then the judges slowly start eliminating people. Once they get to the top 24 contestants, they let America vote for the people they want to win. Every week, two girls and two guys are eliminated until they get down to the top twelve contestants, six boys and six girls. Then, they eliminate one person every week until eventually one person wins and receives a record deal.

I think the best boy singer is David and the best girl vocalist is Carly. The person with the funniest and best personality was Danny. He said “I thought I was good, but I guess somebody wasn’t liking it.” Sadly, he got voted off the show a week before the top twelve. The judges of American Idol are Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell.

This is the seventh season and so far here are the people who have won in the previous seasons:

• Kelly Clarkson

• Ruban Studdard

• Fantasia

• Carrie Underwood

• Taylor Hicks

• Jordin Sparks

These are the top 8 people who are left as on April 8^th, 2008:

• Brooke White

• Carly Smithson

• Kristy Lee Cook

• Syesha Mercado

• David Archuleta

• David Cook

• Jason Castro

• Michael Johns

So, check out American Idol. Tuesdays are where everyone sings, and Wednesdays are the elimination night. It’s on Fox Chicago at 7:00 p.m. So, check it out sometime. If you would like to vote for a contestant, then right after the show on Wednesday nights show call 1-888-436-5720 and then add the number of the contestant you like (it will show up on the screen when you watch). See you in the next issue!

Willy Wonka (The Play)

By Marissa

Hi! I’m Marissa and I recently acted in the play, Willy Wonka, with the All About Music and Children’s Theatre group. In the play, Charlie wins a Golden Ticket and tours the factory. Mrs. Jill, our choreographer, teaches us a lot of cool dances. I am in a lot of different scenes because I am Mrs. Bucket, Charlie’s mother. I perform in the songs “There’s No Knowing,” “Cheer Up Charlie,” “I Eat More,” and “The Finale.” My sister, Gianna, is an Oompa Loompa in the play. The play is 90 minutes long and there is a lot of singing and dancing.

In “There’s No Knowing,” some kids are creatures and are creepy while they are crawling around the stage. In “Cheer Up, Charlie,” we are trying to cheer Charlie up because he didn’t get a ticket yet. In the song “I Eat More,” some kids are chefs and we just sing and dance with trays in are hands. There are some of the same songs in the play that are in the movie Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, like “Oompa Loompa,” “I Want It Now!,” “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” ” Cheer Up Charlie,” “I’ve Got A Golden Ticket,” and ” There’s No Knowing.” Also, there are some new songs, like “Golden Age of Chocolate,” “I Eat More,” “Think Positive,” “I See It All on TV,” “In This Room Here,” and more. The songs from the movie that are in our play do not have exactly the same words or dance moves. Mrs. Connie, our director, is awesome with all the blocking and singing. We performed two shows on Friday, March 28^th, and Saturday, March 29^th. The play was a huge success!

Advice

By Morgan

People are desperate to find help, right? So, why can’t we help? I’m here telling you about how to help and were to go for it. I will have a help basket in the front of the school, or you can leave a question on the Memorial newspaper blog. Here are some tips that will help you when responding to a help question:

1. Think of why your advice would help.

2. Try not to be too funny when writing your advice.

3. When you are writing your advice, make sure you read your paper over again to check for spelling mistakes.

Help Question: Why don’t we help save the animals all around the world?

Help Answer: I think that it is a very good idea to help the animals all around the world. A way we could start that is by keeping the animals’ homes safe.

Cool Vacations

By Emma and Morgan

Hi! We are Emma and Morgan. We are writing about vacations all around the world. This week we are talking about Disney World. Here are some rides that you could go on when you’re there! (All of the following photos are courtesy of www.disneyworld.disney.go.com)

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Choo Choo! On this one you ride in a train through mountains.

Splash Mountain

Wow they’re wet! You ride in a log boat going down a big hill.

Cinderella Castle

I wonder if dreams really do come true? At night, if you want, you can go to the Cinderella Castle and eat in there, or you could go watch the fireworks.

It’s a Small World

Wow, it really is a small world! Ride in a boat and explore statues dancing and singing “It’s a Small World.”

Peter Pan’s Flight

All it takes is a little love, trust, and pixie dust! Ride in a flying ship and you can see the characters in Peter Pan.

Advice Column

By Natalie and Marissa

Question: Why can’t I wear white high heels in the winter?

Answer: You can’t wear white high heels in the winter because it is after Labor Day. You can’t start wearing them again until the spring. We don’t like this idea. It is kind of a weird rule. So, don’t wear them because that is the rule.

More Jokes

By Breanna

1. Why did the chicken cross the road? To save the world!

2. Why do penguins fish for fish? If they fish for donuts they would be soggy.

3. What is a bunny’s favorite candy? A chocolate bunny

Brandon’s Baseball Team

By Brandon

My team is going to play our first baseball game. We are doing a great job. Want to see our first baseball game? Go to Bulldogs Field, which is located by the 7-Eleven. Turn and go south about 100 feet and look for Mustang Field. Also, I am a big fan of Metallica, so leave comments about that as well.

by Natalie

Hi, This is Natalie! I usually do the Advice Column, but for this issue I have a very important thing to write about… going green!

Going green means that you do stuff to help the earth and environment. Now I know that everyone in Tinley Park has been recycling since last year, but that isn’t enough. The reason I am discussing this matter is because of global warming. I’m pretty sure that everyone has heard of it. Because of pollution to the land and atmosphere, the Earth is getting warmer and melting all the ice on it slowly. All of the animals that live on ice or in Arctic regions are losing their homes and their lives.

What simple things can you do to help the environment?

1. When you go grocery shopping, does the check out person ask you if you want paper or plastic bags? Most people say paper because they think that is the best choice. WRONG!!!!!! When you use paper bags, it takes 14,000,000 trees to make 10 billion paper bags. If you choose plastic, you don’t know that it takes 1,000 years for it to decompose, or fall apart. The correct answer is NEITHER! The absolute best thing is to bring your own canvas or organic material bag. That way you don’t use a lot of bags and can just reuse a couple bags. If they get dirty, you can wash them.

2. Only use the dish washer when it is completely full. If you only need to wash a few dishes, wash them by hand in the sink.

3. If you can, don’t use paper or plastic plates. Use glass or porcelain ones that can be washed and reused.

4. Just like in tip #3, try to use metal forks, spoons, and knives, instead of plastic ones.

5. Something really easy you can do is when using a sheet of paper, use both of the sides. Don’t start a new sheet until you have used both sides.

6. Try to buy things in recycled wrapping or packaging.

7. Another very simple thing is to cut down on using napkins. On average, a person uses 6 napkins a day. Try using only 2.

Thank you to those who try at least one of the things you could do to help the environment. To find out more tips, go to: www.changingthepresent.org

Hairspray

By Molly

Hi, I’m Molly. I am writing a movie review on one of my favorite movies, Hairspray. This movie is about a girl named Tracy who loves to dance. Her mom is a dry-clean lady and never leaves the house. Tracy and her best friend, Penny, love to watch a dance show called the Corney Collins Show. Tracy’s Dream is to be able to dance on that show with her crush, Link. Well, what do you know, one girl on the show has to move away, so Tracy has a chance to be on the show. She goes to the auditions, but the people don’t like her because she is heavy and believes in integration. She goes back to school and gets a detention for being tardy. In detention, she meets a lot of African American kids who are dancing. They teach her some dance moves.

Then, the next day for the second part of auditions, she did the moves that they taught her and she got on the show! Her parents were very excited for her. Within about a week or so, Mr. Pinky, the owner of a big fashion store, invited Tracy to be their spokesperson. In a couple of weeks, it was time for the Miss. Hairspray pageant and Tracy was not allowed to come because of a protest she was in for the African American people who where cut out of the show.

So, they all worked out a plan to break in. She got in and danced great she brought out little Li’nez (a sister of an African American boy Tracy met in detention). She danced and won! Whoever won the competition became the lead dancer on the show, so the show became officially integrated. Tracy was so happy. This movie has a lot of great actors and actresses such as:

• Nicki Blonski

• Amanda Bynes

• Zac Efron

Advice Column

by Natalie and Marissa

Question: I am born on Feb. 29^th, but since February only has 28 days does that mean my birthday doesn’t count?

Answer: That does not mean your birthday does not count. Because it is Leap Day, very few people celebrate the exact day, so you could celebrate it on March 1st. You will still have a birthday each year.

Question: My parents keep telling me to drink milk, but I do not like it. Why do I have to drink milk?

Answer: Well, if you don’t like white milk try chocolate milk or strawberry. It might taste a lot better and is still good for you. You need calcium that is found in milk to keep your bones strong. Then you will have healthier and stronger bones when you grow up.

Question: Can I wear my communion dress or flower girl dress to my cousin’s wedding, or would that be weird?

Answer: Why of course! It is never bad to be dressed up for a wedding! If you think it would be weird, then wear a different dress or a fancy skirt. If you prefer, you can also wear fancy pants.

Question: Why do I have to do chores if I do not get paid?

Answer: You have to do chores to help your parents. It is just a nice thing to do. Let’s say you were at school and someone picked up a book for you and then they said “Okay, where is my money? I want to be paid.” How would you feel or react? Do you think it is necessary to pay someone for being nice. Also, do you realize all the things that your parents do for you. You don’t pay them. It isn’t fair. Some people get an allowance, but they are just spoiled. You shouldn’t be like them. It is just a good thing to do to help your parents around the house.

Christmas

A comic by Reanna

Alabama

by Lia

I’ve gone to Troy, Alabama, before to see my grandmother for a month. The population in Troy is 13,935. In Alabama, there are a lot of forests. Winter in Alabama is usually warm and the temperature is always in the 50′s and sometimes even into the 70′s. Alabama’s governor is Bob Riley.

My grandma lives on a farm and she has a lot of goats and cows. I got to see a cow auction with my grandpa while my grandma was at work. She said that you hunt for deer in winter and hogs in summer. This June I hope I can go again.

Monkeys

by Anthony

Monkeys are intelligent animals. Monkeys are good climbers. Some monkeys don’t have tails. One of the most important ways that monkeys communicate with one another is by sound.

Grooming is just another of the ways that monkeys communicate with each other. Monkeys hoot, howl, and clutch to pass on information. They also have very expressive faces. Now you now more about monkeys. I’ll see you in the next issue.

Photo is courtesy of Mape_s at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mape_s/333862845/

Brandon’s Baseball Team

by Brandon

I am writing about my baseball team. This year my baseball team went 42-20. That means my baseball team went 22 games above .500. I had 77 strike out’s. I had 0 homerun’s over the fence and 45 RBI’S. My baseball team had 2 double plays.

This year my baseball team can go to the Little League World Series. If you want to see a picture of the field I play at click here. If you want to play Major league baseball keep on practicing a lot!

More Jokes!

by Breanna

What do you get when you cross a parrot with a pig? A bird that hogs the conversation!

What do you call a fish owned by actor Dolph Lundgren? A Dolph fin

What do you call a dolphin that is red, white, and blue? A flag fin

What do you call a dog wearing a suit? A suiter dog

Aladdin Jr: A Memorial School Play

by Molly, Marissa, and Natalie

ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!!

Memorial School is performing the play Aladdin Jr. on April 24^th and 25^th at Central Middle School in Tinley Park, IL. These fifth graders are in the lead roles:

Aladdin- Marissa

Genie- Molly

Jasmine- Natalie

Sultan- Cameron

Jafar- Lindsay

Iago- Keaton

Razoul- Danny

Guard 1 – Garret

Guard 2- Zuri

Guard 3-Andrew

Magic Carpet- Gianna

Narrators- Sarah, Kortni, Alexis, Maria, and Brooke

Chirsta McAuliffe

by Morgan

This week I’m going to tell you a little about Chirsta McAuliffe. Christa was born on September, 2, 1948, in Boston Massachusets. Did you know that she was the first non-astronaut to go in space? Well, right after she and the six other astronauts launched on the Challenger spacecraft, it blew up. She and the six others were killed.

Have you ever heard of McAuliffe school in Tinley Park, Illinois? It was named after her. She was a 37-year-old high school teacher.

Polar Bears

by Lia

Polar bears are the biggest and strongest animal in the Arctic. Polar bears use seas as a feeding ground. Polar bears do not like to swim. They live in five countries, including U.S.A., Canada, Greenland, Russia, and Norway. Polar bears don’t have good eyesight, but they have a good sense of smell. They are very curious, and they stand on their hind legs when they sniff something to get a better scent.

Polar bears use a surprise attack to get food quickly. Polar bears eat seals, walruses, fish, narwhal cows, and Beluga. Polar bears live in the southern edge of the Arctic icecap. They are omnivores. A polar bear usually kills its prey by hitting and strangling it. A polar bear eats the seals skin and the internal organs, but not the meat.

A Polar Bear is the largest bear family. A female polar bear has 2 cubs, but sometime three. When cubs are born they are tiny. The mother can hide them between her front paws. They weigh less than a kilogram. The cubs are hairless, blind and deaf.

Photos are courtesy of Virdi at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rvirdi/60765756/ and Kuribo http://www.flickr.com/photos/kuribo/2113046468/

Advice Column

by Marissa and Natalie

Hi, Marissa and Natalie here. We’re back with some questions, and some answers. So here we go…

Question:

I am not doing great in math. What should I do to get my grades up? – Grades

Answer:

Dear Grades,

You should consider using a tutor, or ask a friend that is good at math. Try paying close attention in class and if you don’t understand something, then ask questions. Don’t be embarrassed. Also, if it’s okay with your teacher, then see if you can come early in the morning or after school to get some help. I’m sure he or she would be fine with helping you. I hope this advice helps.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Concert

by Kassidy, Emma, and Lizi

As you should all know, the fourth and fifth grade concert at Central Middle School was a big HIT! We had the best time ever. The concert was based on the theme “Music Matters!” The fifth grade sang “Music is Always There for were Me”, “Born to Make Music”, and “We Rock We Rule”. We worked so hard to help with the concert!!!

School Activities

by Emma, Morgan,and Kassidy,

There’s some good stuff going on around Memorial School. GO EAGLES!!!

All year we talk to people about our school’s activities like Student Council which is run by Mrs. Jacobs, and Mrs. Brown. Also, we will be talking to you about Junior Great Books, Newspaper club, Chess Club, Choir, Orf, and Oddysey. These clubs are run by Mrs.Towry, Mr. Beck, Mrs.Russell, Mr.Reilly, and the Junior Great book teachers.

These after school activities are so much fun. You should go join next year. Trust me it would be a whole lot of fun. We had fun so thank you

D.A.R.E. Graduation

by Lia and Molly

The 5th graders D.A.R.E. graduation is on January 8, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial School‘s gym. Each 5th grader has to do a D.A.R.E. poster and an essay to pass D.A.R.E. From each classroom, there will be 5 poster winners and 2 essay winners. If you win, you will get a prize at graduation, and if you win for the essay you will get to read it out loud at the graduation. There will be extra stuff too, like everyone will particapate in a instrumental/song with Mrs.Towry. Also, you can do something extra like reading poems or performing skits. If you do one of those things, you will get a prize. One last thing is that one student from each classroom will say the pledge of allegiance.

White Sox

by Brandon

Hello my name is Brandon. I am going to write about the Chicago White Sox. This year the White Sox came in second to last and their hitting was not too good. I think pitching was okay, but in 2008 it’s going to improve. I think there are some good and bad players on the team. Also, there are a couple of fast runners, like Scott Podsednick and Jerry Owens. Also, the White Sox had a rookie last year, Josh Fields, who is pretty good. This year Josh Fields had 23 homeruns and more then 60 RBI’s. I think the White Sox might pick up some key players.

Reanna’s Comic

Jokes

by Breanna

1. What’s a witch’s favorite subject? Spell-ing

2. What’s the pumpkins favorite candy? Jack-o-corn

3. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get a hair cut

4. Why did the dog cross the road? To eat a cat

Facts on Cheetah’s

By Lia

Do you know anything about cheetahs? This is a cheetah named Duma. It’s scientific name is acinyx jubatus. Cheetahs are usually 32 inches tall. The weight of a cheetah can be about 110 to 140 pounds. A cheetah’s life span is 10 to 20 years. Their habitats are open plains. There diet would be a smaller antelope. A cheetah’s favorite meal is a gazelle. It takes at least 3 months for a cheetah to be born. A cheetah’s predator could be an eagle, human, hyena or a lion. They can run up to 70 miles per hour. A male cheetah is slightly larger than a female. A female cheetah has at least 8 cubs, but usually 2 to 5 cubs. Female cheetahs have been known to catch live prey for their cubs to use as hunting practice. Those are some interesting facts on cheetahs.